Papilla

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

A papilla (plural: papillae) can be:

• A small projection, such as a nipple-like projection on the skin, at the base of a hair or the root of a feather; the base of a new tooth.
• A pimple or blister
• An interdental papilla is the part of the gingiva located between teeth.
• Dental papilla
• Renal papilla
• Lacrimal papilla
• Mammary papilla
• Any of the small projections on the top of the tongue:
  • vallate papilla (contains taste buds)
  • fungiform papilla (contains taste buds)
  • filiform papilla (does not contain taste buds)
  • foliate papilla (contains taste buds)
• Alternative name for the Optic disc of the eye.
• Genital papilla, found in fishes.